Folktales and legends in Indonesia

Diksha Moderator

Member since 01 September 2017

DikshaModerator27 November 2019 03:31:28

4832

Hello everyone,

Time to spark your imagination! Below is a list of questions to pique your interest in folktales and legends associated with Indonesia.

1. Name 3 popular legends that have been passed down from generation to generation in Indonesia.
2. Name 2 famous legendary, heroic characters part of Indonesian folklore.
3. Which are the villains which feature in local folktales?
4. Have any legends/folktales led to common superstitious beliefs or practices observed today in Indonesia?
5. Have you come across any folktale with a message which has struck you as interesting?

Thanks for participating,
Diksha

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert27 November 2019 03:56:50

28729

There are literally thousands, and they change from region to region both in style and in the way the more universal ones are told.
My single favourite is a story about a shark and a croc, one called Sura, the other Baya.

The final fight was so well known, they named the city of Surabaya after them.

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert27 November 2019 04:01:27

28729

Many stories turned into puppet shows, wayang being the big one on the island of Java.
The puppets play out scenes from folk tales, usually accompanied by Javanese music and song.